York Trade Scholarship for the Disabled

Funded by

Carol York

Eligibility Requirements

Background:

Physically disabled (hearing loss, sight loss, wheelchair user, limb difference, etc.)

GPA:

2.0 GPA or higher

Education Level:

High school senior, high school graduate, or trade/vocational school student

Background:

GPA:

Education Level:

Physically disabled (hearing loss, sight loss, wheelchair user, limb difference, etc.)

2.0 GPA or higher

High school senior, high school graduate, or trade/vocational school student

The world can be particularly difficult to navigate for people with physical disabilities, as architecture, public spaces, and programming often aren’t designed with the unique needs of the disabled in mind.

While physical conditions can add barriers to attending school, accessing the workplace, or engaging in social activities, many people with disabilities show incredible grit, creativity, and perseverance in order to overcome the hurdles they face and excel in their endeavors. While the world should work towards increased accessibility, countless individuals with physical disabilities show that their condition doesn’t limit their potential.

This scholarship seeks to support students with disabilities who are passionate about pursuing vocational programs.

Any high school senior, high school graduate, or trade/vocational school student who is physically disabled (hearing loss, sight loss, wheelchair user, limb difference, etc.) may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have at least a 2.0 GPA and if they’re interested in the trades. The ideal applicant is an adult or child who wants to prove that just because they are physically challenged, it doesn't mean that they can not be a positive role model or make a difference.

To apply, tell us about the challenges you have faced with your disability, how you’ve been able to overcome them, and what trade or vocation you’re pursuing. Additionally, upload a photo of yourself.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Drive, Impact

Scholarships for High School Seniors High School Scholarships Essay Scholarships Students with Disabilities Scholarships 2.0 GPA Scholarships Scholarships for Trade School Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students

Published September 18, 2025

Essay Topic

What challenges have you faced with your disability and how have you been able to overcome them? What trade/vocation are you pursuing and why?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

June 2026

Winners

Sharla Plier

Port Washington High School

Port Washington, WI

Finalists

River Solon

Kadoka Area High School - 01

Kadoka, SD

steven County

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski

Moline Sr High School

Moline, IL

Aniyah Harris

Empire Beauty School-Nashville

Antioch, TN

Reyleigh Metropoulos

Twin City Beauty College

St Joseph, MI

Felipe Molina

Lexington High School

Lexington, NE

Winning Application

Sharla Plier

Port Washington High SchoolPort Washington, WI

Since the day I was born, my mom and dad knew I was special, not because my life would be easy, but because it would be extraordinary. I learned early that the world is quick to make assumptions. Before people knew my name, they noticed my legs. Before they heard my story, they formed their own. I was born missing both of my tibia bones in my legs, and had them amputated through both of my knees, meaning I grew up learning to walk, run, and stand tall in ways different from most people. What others around me saw as a limitation became the starting point of the strength I have today. I learned a lesson that no one can teach in the classroom, which is that strength is not measured by what you are given, but by how you use it to rise above. Growing up, words hurt more than obstacles ever could. I experienced stares, whispers, and questions meant to make me feel small. Some spoke out of curiosity, others out of cruelty, but all of them left a lasting mark. For years, it felt exhausting, even painful, to navigate through a world that saw me as “different” before seeing me as capable. But what was even more hurtful was letting the world get to me, so I transformed the pain into beauty. I turned doubt into determination, cruelty into confidence, and fear into courage. All of the hurt I experienced from others turned into motivation to prove, first to myself, then the world, that I am stronger than any judgment. This is why I am drawn to cosmetology. To me, cosmetology is more than creating hairstyles; it is a way to give people confidence and to help them see the beauty in themselves that the world might overlook. I want to take what others see as flaws and turn them into something empowering, just as I have learned to do with my own experiences. Through cosmetology, I can give others the gift of self-love while pursuing a career that allows me to express my creativity, empathy, and resilience. My legs are not symbols of limitation; they are symbols of survival, perseverance, and courage. They remind me every moment how I chose hope over fear. Every painful word I've faced has been transformed into something powerful. Receiving a scholarship would enable me to continue turning challenges into opportunities, helping others find their confidence, and creating a future that proves that strength can transform even the most daunting obstacles into something truly extraordinary.